Russia's efforts to repair the Crimean Bridge continue, but it is unlikely to be fully operational until at least September 2023.
This is stated in the intelligence review of the British Ministry of Defense on Wednesday.
On November 8, the road bridge had to be closed so that a new 64-meter section could be moved and installed on it. Three more sections will be needed to replace the damaged sections of the road, the review emphasizes.
Although Crimean officials claimed that these additional sections would be installed by December 20, a report provided to President Putin indicated that work on the other carriageway would disrupt traffic until March 2023.
According to the contract, the replacement of the damaged railway bridge must be completed by September 2023, although Russia's deputy prime minister has said that the repair period will be shortened, the review points out. Although one road is open, rail traffic remains limited. Repair work will be highly dependent on weather conditions during the winter months.
"The attack on the Crimean bridge has disrupted Russian logistical supplies to Crimea and southern Ukraine, reducing Russia's ability to move military equipment and troops into the area by rail or road. The damage to the bridge, the recent attack on the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, and a possible withdrawal from Kherson complicate the ability of the Russian government to paint a picture of military success," British intelligence says.
In October, British intelligence said that it was becoming increasingly difficult for Russia to supply its group in southern Ukraine due to the consequences of the sabotage at the Crimean bridge.
